Combination white light and colored LED light device with active ingredient emission

ABSTRACT

A replacement device for a light bulb includes a translucent shell and a base. The base supports a plurality of colored lights positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell. The base is configured to be received in a conventional light socket. The base also includes a compartment for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active cartridge for enabling the device to emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment. A dimmable white light source may also provided in the shell as a source of illumination. Thus, a single device is used as a replacement for a conventional light bulb and is a combination white light source/colored light show source/volatile active source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/426,055, filed on Jun. 23, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,659which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/069,964, filed on Mar. 3, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,919 whichclaims priority to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/549,154,filed on Mar. 3, 2004. This application is also a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/561,822, filed on Apr. 25, 2006,still pending, which claims priority to Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/483,913 filed on Jul. 2, 2003.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

A substitute for a conventional light bulb is disclosed which providesvarious combinations of features including, but not limited to, theemission of white light, colored light in the form of changing coloredlight shows and active ingredient vapor emission. The disclosed devicescrews into a conventional light socket and the active ingredient isdispensed from replaceable cartridges or bottles. The device may alsoserve as an adapter for receiving a conventional light bulb. Thespecific active ingredient emitted may be coordinated with the specificlight show performed. A plurality of light shows may be programmed intothe memory of the device and memory chips containing new light shows maybe provided or the active ingredient cartridges may be equipped with achip containing one or more light shows that are designed with theactive ingredient in mind. The colored light may be produced by RGB LEDclusters or filtered white light sources using conventional coloredlenses, shrouds or covers or an LCD filter.

2. Description of the Related Art

Creating a pleasant ambience is a popular aspect of home decor. This isoften achieved through various combinations of pleasant fragrances andmood lighting. Lighting can also be combined with other functions suchas air sanitization, air deodorization, and the controlled release ofinsect repellent, insect attractant and insecticide. Conventionalproducts such as scented candles, mood lighting devices, fragrancedispensers, and the like, are commonly used to create a pleasantenvironment in the home. While those conventional products help tocreate a pleasant living environment and ambiance, they have theirdrawbacks.

For example, while scented candles create soft light and fragrance,which creates a pleasant mood, candles are a potential fire hazard andoften produce unwanted smoke and wax drippings. Traditional lightfixtures and lamps do not provide the color effects, fragrance emissionor other active emission that users often desire. While stand-aloneaesthetic devices are available for providing lighting effects (such ascolor changing and the like), these standalone devices take up spacearound the home and add to the clutter that many consumers are trying toavoid. Also, because such stand-alone devices are typically placed inhighly visible locations, they need to be aesthetically designed to suitthe personal tastes of different categories of buyers, requiringadditional design costs.

Conventional fragrance dispensers, such as plug-in diffusers, canprovide pleasing aromas in a relatively inexpensive, compact package.However, such conventional fragrance dispensers generally take upoutlets and are often located out of sight, causing a user to forget toadjust or refill the device. While these fragrance dispensers may alsoprovide light, because the devices are used in existing electricaloutlets, they are generally positioned too low to provide effectivelighting features, other than to operate as a nightlight.

Conventional nightlights include only white light emission incombination with fragrance emission. While a single scent may beprovided in the form of a decorative diffuser, colored nightlights arenot generally available and there is no coordination between the lightcolor emitted and the particular fragrance emitted. Further,sophisticated multi-colored lights that change color and that areaesthetically pleasing in combination with fragrance emission are notcurrently available.

Further, numerous needs exist for the combination of white light and/orcolored light with other volatile active emission other than fragrancessuch as air sanitization, air deodorization, the controlled release ofinsect repellent insect attractant, insecticide, aromatherapy volatilesor other non-flagrant materials (any of which may be combined withflagrant materials if necessary to make the ambient environment moretolerable).

Therefore, multiple needs exist for devices that combine one or more ofthe following functions: white light emission; colored light emission;colored light shows; fragrance emission; air sanitization; airdeodorization; insecticide emission; insect repellent emission;aromatherapy material emission; light emission that repels insects;light emission that attracts insects; and any combinations thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In view of the drawbacks of the lighting and fragrance devices currentlyon the market, devices are disclosed herein which provide variouscombinations of lighting and emission of volatile actives.

In a refinement, the device intended primarily for use indoors combinesone or more of the following: white light emission with optional whitelight intensity adjustment of dimming; colored light shows; andfragrance and/or volatile active emission without adding clutter to aroom, without requiring the purchase of new fixtures, without taking upadditional electrical outlets, without requiring aesthetically pleasingdesigns for the unit itself, and without presenting the fire hazardsassociated with open flames.

In such a refinement, a substitute for a conventional light bulb thatcan be used indoors or outdoors is disclosed that is configured to matewith a conventional (“Edison”) light socket, that can provide variouscombinations of functions such as white light, aesthetically pleasingcolored lighting effects, fragrance emission and/or some sort ofvolatile active ingredient emission (e.g., insect repellent insecticide,air sanitizer, air deodorizer, etc.).

In one aspect, a disclosed device includes a translucent housing thatmay comprise a translucent outer shell coupled to a base configured tobe received in a conventional light socket, at least one RGB LED clusterpositioned within the housing so as to emit light through the housing,and a replaceable active ingredient cartridge or bottle that may bereceived in a compartment disposed on the base of the device or that maybe a part of the translucent outer shell.

In a refinement, a white light source is provided in addition to the RGBLED cluster.

In a different refinement, a white light source is provided in stead ofthe RGB LED cluster.

In another aspect, a disclosed device includes a base configured to matewith a light socket for receiving the light bulb, a translucent shellcoupled to the base, and at least one RGB LED cluster coupled to thebase and beneath the outer shell. An active ingredient dispenser issupported by the base and dispenses an active ingredient from devicewhen the active ingredient is provided therein. A control mechanism isprovided, by which the device can be controlled by a user to change atleast one of the color of the light or light show emitted from thehousing by LEDs, and an output rate of the active ingredient.

In a refinement a white light source is provided. In a relatedrefinement, the white light source is a fluorescent lamp in thecircuitry of the device includes a dimming capability for thefluorescent lamp. In a related refinement, the white light source is alow voltage clamp such as a low voltage halogen lamp or other lowvoltage incandescent lamp. The white light source can also be a whiteLED. In any refinement, intensity adjustment or dimming of the whitelight source as well as the colored light effects or colored light showscan be provided.

In another refinement, the colored light show is carried out by a RGBincandescent lamp cluster such as a RGB low voltage incandescent lampcluster, linked to an appropriate circuitry for carrying out one or morelight shows.

As noted above, the disclosed device may provide white light typicallyassociated with a conventional light bulb, as well as colored options,color-changing effects, and/or active emission such as fragranceemission. In addition, all of these options may be provided in onedevice that can be used as a replacement bulb that can be placed inexisting lamps already found in the user's home. Heat for enhancing theactive emission can be supplied by the white light source, colored lightsource or a resistance heater built into the device and controlled bythe circuitry of the device.

In a refinement, colored light sources are not disposed within the outershell and only a white light source is provided. However, the outershell is constructed of one or more LCD filters that strategically blockcolors of light while allowing other colors of light to pass theirthrough. As a result, the LCD filters are used to carry out the coloredlight shows and therefore are linked directly to the electroniccircuitry of the device. A plurality of flat LCD filters may beemployed, however curved LCD filters are available.

In another aspect, two devices adapted to be received in a common lightsocket ale connected together in series. Specifically, a first deviceincludes a male base that is received within a light socket. The body ofthe first device houses one or more functional elements such as anactive dispenser, colored lights for a colored light show or a whitelight element and terminates at a female receptacle for receiving a malebase of a second device. The second device is received in the femalereceptacle of the first device and typically includes one or moreadditional functional elements not found in the first device such as awhite light source, colored light source or active ingredient dispenser.Thus, using this “piggy-back” scheme, functional elements can be addedby using a second device.

In a refinement, the volatile active ingredient controls, attracts,repels and/or terminates insects. The insect control functions may becombined with fragrance emission, a deodorizing function or an airsanitization function.

Thus, in a refinement, the volatile active may provide a functionselected from the group consisting of: insect control, insecttermination, insect attraction, insect repellency, moth termination,fragrance emission, or deodorization, air sanitization, aromatherapy,volatile medicine emission and any combination thereof.

In a related refinement, a device made in accordance with thisdisclosure can release an active that repels insects, such asmosquitoes, to either keep such insects out of a home or to keep suchinsects away from an outdoor area such as a patio or porch. The activecan repel or kill the problematic insects. In the alternative, thedisclosed devices may be used to attract insects and keep them away froman outdoor area such as a porch or deck. Indoor applications include theuse of a disclosed device in a closet that emits a volatile active thatkills moths and further that emits white light or, optionally, coloredlight. The disclosed devices may also be used to emit insect repellentor insecticides indoors in certain jurisdictions and therefore thesefunctions can be combined with the emission of white light and/orcolored light shows.

Thus, the combination white light/colored light show/active emitterdevice disclosed herein can be used in porch/deck lighting systems andoutdoor perimeter lighting systems.

In another refinement, combination white light/colored light show/activeemitter device can be used in an enclosed area such as a closet and thevolatile active can be an insecticide directed at moths, roaches,houseflies, frit flies, gnats and/or ants.

In a refinement, the LEDs may be used to provide an additional or analternative source of white light.

In a refinement, light sources, either white or colored, may be used asheat sources for active ingredient emission.

In another refinement, the fragrance or active delivery may be providedby scented oil or scented gels provided in cartridges which may bereplaceably secured in/to the device, to provide the desired fragranceemission. This allows a user to change between different fragrancesand/or replace empty cartridges, without the need to change the entirebulb device. In addition, the device can be programmable so that a usermay change the lighting options (i.e., change the brightness or color,activate a color show or change color shows), and/or the fragranceemission rate.

In another refinement, the refill cartridge or bottle includes a memorychip programmed with one or more light shows and in a further refinementof this concept, the light shows are coordinated with the activecontained in the refill cartridge. In short, either the fragranceemitted or another type of active, such as insect repellant, can becoordinated with the one or more light show exhibited by the device.

In another refinement, the outer shell or globe of the device may itselfinclude the active ingredient or fragrance dispense. In such arefinement, the outer shell includes an inner and outer wall with avoidsbase therebetween that can accommodate an active material or fragrance.Thus, the outer shell is the active or fragrance dispenser. In anotherrefinement of this concept, the outer shell is connected to activeingredient or volatile active cartridges and is sold with thereplacement cartridges.

In another refinement, a refill cue may be provided by the circuitry ofthe device that informs the user when the active or fragrance has becomedepleted and when a refill cartridge or bottle is needed.

In another refinement, a remote control device may be provided enablingthe user to change light shows, stop a light show and turn thefluorescent lamp on or off. The remote control device may also beprovided with a fragrance or active dispenser.

In another refinement, one or more control buttons may be provided onthe outside of the base or housing which enables the user to changelight shows, stop or pause a light show, turn the fluorescent lamp on oroff, or turn the device on or off.

Other advantages and features will be apparent from the followingdetailed description when read in conjunction with the attacheddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosed methods andapparatuses, reference should be made to the embodiment illustrated ingreater detail on the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a disclosed combination whitelight/colored light show/active vapor emission device with a threaded,screw-in base.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of another device with a threaded,screw-in base.

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a white light/active vapor emissiondevice with a threaded, screw-in base.

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of another white light/active vaporemission device with a threaded, screw-in base.

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of a disclosed combination coloredlight show/active vapor emission device with a threaded, screw-in base.

FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of another disclosed combinationcolored light show/active vapor emission device with a threaded,screw-in base.

FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view of another disclosed combination whitelight/colored light show/active vapor emission device with a threadedscrew-in base and wherein only a white light source is provided incombination with an outer cover formed from one or more LCD filters.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a first device or adapter with athreaded screw-in base and equipped with an active vapor emissiondispenser wherein the first device is coupled to a second threadedscrew-in device equipped with white light/colored light show capability.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a first device or adapter with aplug-in base and equipped with an active vapor emission dispenserwherein the first device is coupled to a second plug-in device equippedwith white light/colored light show capability.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of a first device or adapter with athreaded screw-in base and equipped with colored light show/active vaporemission capabilities wherein the first device is coupled to a secondthreaded screw-in device equipped with white light emission capability.

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of a first device or adapter with aplug-in base and equipped with colored light show/active vapor emissioncapabilities wherein the first device is coupled to a second plug-indevice equipped with white light emission capability.

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of a first device or adapter with athreaded screw-in base and equipped with white light/colored light showcapabilities wherein the first device is coupled to a second threadedscrew-in device equipped with vapor emission capability.

FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view of a first device or adapter with aplug-in base and equipped with white light/colored light showcapabilities wherein the first device is coupled to a second plug-indevice equipped with vapor emission capability.

FIGS. 2G-2J are perspective, front, left side and right side views of anadapter that has currently received a coiled fluorescent light (CFL),although it will be noted that other threaded light bulbs may beemployed, and wherein the adapter includes volatile active dispensers.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of functional units of the combinationwhite light/colored light/colored light show/volatile active emissiondevices disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the control mechanisms for the device isshown in FIGS. 1A-1G and 2A-2F.

FIG. 5A is a flow chart of a program for operating the devices of FIGS.1A-1G 2A-2F and 6-35.

FIG. 5B shows an exemplary CIE chart with three coordinatescorresponding to three LEDs of different colors, red, green and blue,wherein a light show presented in accordance with this disclosurecomprises any path disposed within the boundaries of the curve carriedout over time.

FIG. 5C is a schematic drawing of the control mechanism for variousdevices shown in FIGS. 1A-1G, 2A-2F and 6-35.

FIG. 5D is a circuit diagram of the ballasts for the coiled fluorescentlamp (CFL) white light sources of the devices shown in FIGS. 1A-1G,2A-2F and 6-35.

FIG. 5E is a circuit diagram for the LED drivers for the devices shownin FIGS. 1A-1G, 2A-2F and 6-35.

FIG. 5F is a circuit diagram for the radiofrequency (RF) receiver forthe devices shown herein employing a remote control (e.g., FIGS. 9-13and 20-23 below).

FIG. 5G is a circuit diagram of for the RF transmitter for the devicesshown herein employing a remote control (e.g., FIGS. 9-13 and 20-23below).

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of yet another combination whitelight/colored light show/active ingredients emission device made inaccordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a sectional and partially exploded view of the device shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top sectional view of the active ingredient cartridge shownin FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of yet another combination whitelight/colored light show/active ingredient emission device made inaccordance with this disclosure, particularly illustrating a lanyardon/off switch.

FIG. 10 is a sectional and partially exploded view of the device shownin FIG. 9, particularly illustrating the use of a series of volatileactive cartridges arranged cylindrically within the outer cover and ontop of the base.

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of the active ingredient cartridgesshown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of a replacement outer shell and activeingredient cartridges for the device shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a remote control for use with any of thecombination devices disclosed herein.

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of yet another combination whitelight/colored light show/volatile active ingredient emission device madein accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a sectional and partially exploded view of the device shownin FIG. 14, particularly illustrating a bowl-shaped volatile activedispenser disposed neat the top of the device and incorporating acylindrical wick.

FIG. 16 is a partial exploded view of a portion of the outer shell andelastomeric finger or thumb grip that extends through slots disposed inthe lower portion of the outer shell.

FIG. 17 is an elevational view of yet another combination whitelight/colored light show/active ingredient emission device made inaccordance with this disclosure, particularly illustrating a curvedtrough-type active ingredient cartridge disposed in the base of thedevice.

FIG. 18 is a partial sectional and exploded view of the device shown inFIG. 17, particularly illustrating the placement of the activeingredient cartridge in the base of the device.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the active ingredient cartridge andvented cover for the device shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 20 is a front elevational and partially exploded view of yetanother combination white light/colored light show/active ingredientemission device made in accordance with this disclosure and particularlyillustrating a replaceable active ingredient cartridge equipped with aprogrammable chip or memory card with one or more colored light showsstored therein.

FIG. 21 is a partial sectional and side elevational view of the deviceshown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the memory card and active ingredientreplacement cartridge shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of a remote control device incombination with the replacement active ingredient cartridge that can beadapted for use with any one of the combination devices disclosedherein.

FIG. 24 is an elevational view of a combination white light/coloredlight show/active ingredient emission device made in accordance withthis disclosure particularly illustrating a slot for accommodating amemory card or chip and a lanyard-type on/off switch.

FIG. 25 is a partial sectional an exploded view of the device shown inFIG. 24 particularly illustrating the location of the memory chip andreplaceable active ingredient cartridge at the top or upper portion ofthe outer shell, above the fluorescent lamp and below a vented cover.

FIGS. 26-35 are various views of other combination white light/coloredlight show/active ingredient emission devices made in accordance withthis disclosure, particularly illustrating the location of an activeingredient cartridge in a slot or compartment disposed in the base andone, two and three button control mechanisms disposed in the bases ofthe devices.

It should be under stood that the drawings are not necessarily to scaleand that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrateddiagrammatically and in partial views. In certain instances, detailswhich are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methodsand apparatuses or which render other details difficult to perceive mayhave been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that thisdisclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustratedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A-1G illustrate screw-in combination white light/colored lightshow/active ingredient emission devices 10 a-10 g made in accordancewith this disclosure. While the disclosed devices can mate with any oneof a number of lighting fixtures (such as conventional fixtures forreceiving incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent bulbs), for exemplarypurposes, the description provided herein refers to an Edison-style,screw-in light device that mates with a conventional incandescent lightsocket with a threaded female receptacle. Of course, the devices of thisdisclosure may be embodied in any light bulb that mates with a lightsocket/power source.

Device 10A of FIG. 1A includes a translucent housing or cover 12 mountedonto a base 24. The bottom of base 24 comprises a threaded male,screw-in connector 28, which is configured to mate with a threadedfemale socket of a conventional lamp or other lighting fixture. Whenconnector 28 is mated with such a socket, AC power is provided to thedevice 10 from the lamp or lighting fixture.

The power is provided to an LED board (light array) 16, on which LEDs 14a (red), 14 b (green), 14 c (blue), and 15 (white) are mounted. In theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6-31, the LEDs are provided in a threediode cluster including red, green and blue diodes referred to below asa RGB LED cluster. These LEDs may be operated in any one of a number ofcombinations to provide a specific color of light, color shows orpatterns that are pleasing to a user. For example, the LEDs may beoperated as described in commonly assigned International Publication No.WO2005/003625, US Publication Nos. US 2005/0169812 and US 2005/0169666,all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The outer shell 12may act as a light diffuser, to cause a user to perceive the intendedcolor, rather than the activation of distinct LEDs of different colors.Alternatively, a separate diffuser may be provided inside the outershell 12. The diffuser 12 operates to combine the lights from thedifferent LEDs to form a single color, the perception of which isdictated by the relative intensities of the individual colored LEDs. Inother embodiments, no diffuser at all may be used, in order to allow auser to simultaneously perceive multiple colors of the different LEDs.Also, when insect control is an issue, the lighting effects may beprogrammed to attract or repel insects, using conventionally knownlighting techniques for the same. The diffuser 12 may also act is afragrance dispenser as the walls of the diffuser 12 may absorb fragranceor other active ingredients or the diffuser 12 may include inner andouter walls with a void space therebetween that accommodates a fragranceoil. The diffuser 12 may also be coupled to replaceable volatile activecartridges and sold as a refill item as explained below in connectionwith FIG. 12.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, the white LEDs 15 can provide a primarysource of illumination for the device 10 but the more preferable methodis to employ a fluorescent lamp 30 as a white light source and, morespecifically, the twisted or coiled fluorescent lamp 30 a as shown inFIGS. 7, 10, 15, 18, 21 and 25 below. Alternatively (or in addition),the red, green, and blue LEDs 14 a-14 c may be configured to, incombination, produce white light, when their respective wavelengths aremixed by a diffuser or the like. Examples of a RGB LED cluster producingwhite light can be found in commonly assigned Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/641,441, which is incorporated herein by reference. See also FIG.5B below. Other conventional light sources, such as halogen or othertypes of fluorescent lights may also be used as a primary light source.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a compact fluorescent bulb 30 isdisposed coupled to the base 24 in the housing 12, and provides theprimary source of illumination. Alternatively, when the fluorescent bulb30 is used, the white LEDs 15 may be omitted and vice versa.

Power is also preferably provided to volatile active dispenser 20,which, in this embodiment, comprises a resistance heater 18. It shouldbe noted, however, that any one of a number of active dispensers may beused. For example, see the heating element 18 a and wiring 19 for theheating element 18 a of FIG. 15, the heating element 18 b of FIG. 18,and the heating element 18 c and wiring 19 a for the heating element 18b of FIG. 25.

Heat is applied to increase the evaporation late of fragrance oil,fragrance gel, insecticide, insect repellent, insect attractant, airsanitizer, deodorizer, medicine, aromatherapy material or the like. Inother embodiments, fan-assisted evaporation devices, piezo-electricallyactuated atomization devices, and/or unassisted fragrance dispensers maybe substituted. Unassisted volatile active dispensers may simply includeventing mechanisms that expose the volatile active to the ambientenvironment, or other such designs that enhance/provide convectiveairflow across a volatile active delivery medium. Of course, ifunassisted volatile active dispensers are used, power need not beprovided to the dispenser. These alternative devices are known in theart, and will not be described in detail herein.

It will be noted here that heat from the white light source and/or heatfrom the colored light sources may provide sufficient heat forsatisfactory emission rates for many volatile actives. Mechanical fansmay also be used to enhance distribution or may be used instead ofheating elements.

Regarding the use of insect control actives, the disclosed devices maybe particularly useful for patio/deck lighting and outdoor promoterlighting where it is desirable to keep insects away from a defined areasuch as a patio, deck or pool area and/or word is desirable to attractinsects away from such a defined area. Still further, use of thedisclosed devices in an enclosed area such as the closet provides theopportunity for the volatile active to be a moth, cockroach, housefly,fruit fly, ant, gnat or other household insect killer or repellent.

Therefore, an ingredient suitable for inclusion in the evaporativecartridges, bottles or packages disclosed herein, or passive dispensersdisclosed herein, is a fragrance, air freshener, deodorizer, odoreliminator, malodor counteractant, insecticide, insect repellant,medicinal substance, aromatherapy substance, disinfectant, sanitizer,mood enhancer, or the like, in liquid, oil or gel form, although gelsand oils are preferred.

Preferably, if a fragrance is to be dispensed, the fragrance or airfreshener is a fragrance comprising one or more volatile organiccompounds which are available from perfumery suppliers such as FirmenichInc., Takasago Inc., Noville Inc., Quest Co., International Flavors &Fragrances, and Givaudan-Roure Corp. Most conventional fragrancematerials are volatile essential oils. The fragrance can be asynthetically formed material, or a naturally derived oil such as oil ofBergamot, Bitter Orange, Lemon, Mandarin, Caraway, Cedar Leaf, CloveLeaf, Cedar Wood, Geranium, Lavender, Orange, Origanum, Petitgrain,White Cedar, Patchouli, Lavandin, Neroli, Rose absolute, and the like.

A wide variety of chemicals ale known for perfumery, such as aldehydes,ketones, esters, alcohols, terpenes, and the like. A fragrance can berelatively simple in composition, or can be a complex mixture of naturaland synthetic chemical components. Synthetic types of fragrancecompositions either alone or in combination with natural oils aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,324,915, 4,411,829; and 4,434,306, whichare incorporated herein by reference. Other artificial liquid fragrancesinclude geraniol, geranyl acetate, eugenol, isoeugenol, linalool,linalyl acetate, phenethyl alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone, methylionone,isobomyl acetate, and the like.

A liquid fragrance may also be formed into a thixotropic gel by theaddition of a thickening agent, such as a cellulosic material, apolymeric thickener, or a fumed silica of the type marketed under theCabosil trademark by Cabot Corporation. A fragrance ingredient can alsobe in the form of a crystalline solid, which has the ability to sublimeinto the vapor phase at ambient temperatures. A crystalline fragrancestarting material can be selected from organic compounds which includevanillin, ethyl vanillin, coumarin, tonalid, calone, heliotropene, muskxylol, cedrol, musk ketone benzophenone, raspberry ketone, methylnaphthyl ketone beta, phenyl ethyl salicylate, veltol, maltol, maplelactone, proeugenol acetate, evemyl, and the like. This type offragrance can contribute a long term air-treatment capability to an airfreshener dispenser device for use with the devices disclosed herein.

Suitable insect repellents, insect attractants and insecticides arewell-known and will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Returning to FIG. 1A, a heater 18 is provided in the form of a metaloxide resistor or wire wound resistor potted in a ceramic block. Ofcourse, other heating devices may be used for the heater 18, such as aPTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater, a coil resistance heater,printed circuitry, an etched foil heating device, or the like. When inuse, heater 18 generates heat for heating the active ingredient ofliquid or gel formulations stored in a volatile active cartridge 22.Such arrangements of heat-assisted evaporation devices are known in theart, and will not be described in detail herein. In general, however,cartridge 22 contains a formulation/active ingredient whose evaporationrate increases with the application of heat, thus allowing theevaporation rate (and consequently, the potency) to be controlled as theheat is varied.

Preferably, a compartment or recess 23 is provided to receive thevolatile active cartridge 22, which is replaceable in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1A-1G, 2A-2F and FIGS. 6-31. Any one of a number of known mountingmechanisms may be used to removably secure the cartridge 22 in thecompartment 23, but preferably, the cartridge slides into compartment23, so as to become wedged therein, or snaps into place using a systemof mating protrusions and recesses. This allows the user to easilyremove and replace spent cartridges, bottles or other devices that serveas reservoirs for containing fragrance oils, with the oils beingcommunicated from the reservoir to the ambient environment with orwithout a porous wick, or gel cartridges which, when mounted, expose agel impregnated with fragrance to the ambient environment. If a wick isutilized, a sintered wick as shown at 52 d or a conventional porous wickmay be employed.

Switch 26 is provided on base 24, to allow a user to control theoperation of device 10. Although a switch is shown herein for exemplarypurposes, any one of a number of user interfaces may be used so that theuser may adjust the setting of the device 10 such as interfacesincluding one, two, three or more buttons as shown below (see, e.g.,FIGS. 5B and 26-31). A lanyard-type switch (FIG. 9-10 and 24-25) mayalso be employed. Such adjustments made include using a switch or aninterface to change the color of the light emitted from the LEDs 14 a-14c and 15, adjusting the brightness of the LEDs, switching between whitelight, colored light, and off settings, scrolling through the variouslight shows available in the memory of the device, adjusting theevaporation rate of the fragrance (e.g., by adjusting the heat level,when a heat assisted device is used), and/or setting predeterminedprograms for light shows or fragrance emission changes that may bestored in a memory and operated by a processor (as discussed in moredetail below). In preferred embodiments, the user interface is a buttonor switch that may be toggled to change the operation of the device 10between different predetermined settings. For example, some suitableuser interfaces are described in commonly assigned U.S. application Ser.Nos. 10/561,822 and 11/327,167, which is also incorporated herein byreference. A three button interface is illustrated in FIG. 5C and FIGS.30-31 below.

FIG. 1B shows another embodiment 10B in which the arrangement of thecompartment 23 and heater 18 is altered. The remaining features are thesame as those shown in FIG. 1A, and a description thereof will not berepeated here.

FIG. 1C shows another embodiment 10C were in the arrangement of thecompartment 23 and heater 18 is the same as that of FIG. 1A but whichdoes not include any colored light capability. Hence, only the whitelight source 30 and white LEDs 15 are provided. In contrast, FIG. 1Dillustrates another embodiment 10D with a single white light source 30and no colored light sources.

In contrast, FIGS. 1E-1F illustrate embodiments 10E and 10F with nowhite light sources and only colored light sources including a singleRGB LED group 14 a, 14 b, 14 c as shown in FIG. 1E and two RGB LEDgroups 14 a, 14 b, 14 c as shown in FIG. 1F.

FIG. 1G illustrates an embodiment 10G equipped with a single white lightsource 30G disposed within an outer shell 12G that is fabricated fromone or more LCD filters that selectively block certain parts of thelight spectrum thereby permitting selected colored light through theouter shell 12G. Thus, the outer shell 12G is linked to the controlcircuitry of the device 10G that performs the light show function. Whileflat LCD filters are shown, curved LCD filters are available and arebecoming more common.

FIGS. 2A-2F each disclose a pail of devices mateably coupled togetherfor purposes of combining functions. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2A,an assembly 200A is shown with a first device 100A having a threadedmale base 128A that is received in a conventional light socket and thatincludes a volatile active dispenser 123A with a cartridge 122A andheating element 118A. An upper housing 124A is connected to lower base128A and an open upper end 129A of the housing accommodates a femalethreaded receptacle 130A. The female receptacle 130A is electricallyconnected to the male base 128A by a pair of wires 132A, 132A′. Thesecond device 100A′ includes a board 116A that supports a white lightsource 30 and a RGB LED or conventional incandescent colored lightcluster 14 a, 14 b, 14 c similar to that shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1A-1G above. The second device 100A′ also includes a switch 126Afor controlling the colored light cluster 14 a, 14 b, 14 c and whitelight source 30.

Using the same reference numerals to describe the elements of FIGS.2B-2F, various combinations of elements in this dual or “piggy-back”arrangement will now be described. Turning to FIG. 2B, the assembly 200Bincludes a lower device 100B that has a plug-in-type base 128B equippedwith an active dispenser 123B, cartridge or active holder 122B andheating element 118B. Holes or vents are shown at 131B for releasing anactive. The upper device includes a white light source 30, colored lightcluster 14 a, 14 b, 14 c consisting of LEDs or conventional incandescentcolored lights and switch 126B. Similarly, the assembly 200C of FIG. 2Cillustrates a combination were the lower device includes a volatileactive dispenser 123C and colored light cluster 14 a, 14 b, 14 c whilethe upper device 100 and includes a white light source 30. Because thecolored light cluster 14 a, 14 b, 14 c is disposed on the lower device100C, the lower device 100C preferably includes a control switch 126C.The upper device 100C′ my also include a switch 126C′ for turning thewhite light source 30 on and off or for dimming the white light source30.

The assembly 200D of FIG. 2D provides a combination whereby the lowerdevice 100D provides a volatile active dispenser 123D and a white lightsource 30 while the upper device 100D′ provides a colored light cluster14 a, 14 b, 14 c. The assembly 200E of FIG. 2E discloses a combinationwhereby the lower device 100E provides a white light source 30 incombination with a colored light cluster 14 a, 14 b, 14 c and the upperdevice 100E′ includes a fragrance dispenser 123E and heater 118E.Turning to FIG. 2F, the assembly 200F includes a lower device 100F whichfeatures a fragrance dispenser 123F and an upper device 100F′ thatincludes a white light source 30 disposed within a shell 212 formed fromone or more LCD filter panels as described above in connection with FIG.1G above.

FIGS. 2G-2J disclose yet another alternative embodiment 200G thatincludes a lower adapter 100G that may or may not be provided with awhite light source 100G′ that, in this case, is a CFL. Thus, the adapteror lower device 100G may be sold separately. However, it will be notedthat the threaded female receptacle 130G is capable of receiving othertypes of lights, such as incandescent lights and may be a plugconnection, rather than a threaded connection. The base 128G includesvents 131G as shown in FIGS. 2G-2H for facilitating the release ofvolatile active disposed within the cartridges 122G as shown in FIGS.2I-2J. The base 128G also includes a pair of slots or dispensers 123Gfor accommodating the cartridges 122G. Other additional features asillustrated above in connection with FIGS. 1A-2F may also beincorporated into the embodiment 200G illustrated in FIGS. 2G-2J.

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic representation of functional units of thedevice 10 of FIGS. 1A-2J. Microcontroller 99 is a programmablecontroller that produces output signals to control the emission of lightfrom the LEDs 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 15 of light array 16, and the amount ofactive emitted from the dispenser 20. Alternatively, one or more of thecontrol features may be mechanically set by a user without theassistance of a microprocessor. Such basic controls would be readilyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, however,microcontroller 99 produces and outputs the signals to operate thesedevices according to one or more programs stored in the memory 98. Theprograms may be preset in the memory 98 and then selected and activatedby a user through a user interface (e.g., switch 26). Additional lightshows may be provided in the form of a supplemental memory chip 102associated with a replacement cartridge (FIGS. 20 and 22) or a memorychip 102 a that is received within a slot 103 disposed in the base (FIG.25). The signals may be in the form of voltages, coded pulses, of othersignals, which control the operation of the components. Alternatively,the switch 26 may set the lighting condition without reference to astored program.

Operation of microcontroller 99 can also be activated to produce apresentation according to a signal from sensor S. Sensor S may include,for example, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, a timing sensor, aninfrared sensor, a power source-monitoring sensor, or the like. If apower source-monitoring sensor is used, the microcontroller 99 may beconfigured to activate and/or change the presentation of light and/orfragrance when a power switch of a light socket or lamp in which thebulb is received is toggled (e.g., one toggle activates the fluorescentlight source 30, two toggles in succession activates the LED array,etc.). Device 10 may also include a timing mechanism T. The timingmechanism T may be an oscillator, crystal, conventional clock, etc. Thetiming mechanism T may control the operation of microcontroller 99 inaccordance with the program from the memory 98. In addition, the timingmechanism T may be used to control the length of a presentation oflight, and/or aroma set by a program in memory 98, as programmed by auser.

Control Mechanisms

As discussed above, the components for emitting light and an active maybe configured to work in coordination with each other in any one of anumber of ways. Provided below are preferred embodiments for configuringand controlling the various disclosed devices to emit light andfragrance. These are, however, only preferred embodiments, and numerousother configurations are possible.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram for one control arrangement for operatingdevice 10 that produces a coordinated/combined presentation of light andvolatile active. A microcontroller (or ASIC) 400 controls the operationof the device 10. Power is supplied to the system 499 through a lamp (ACpower source 660). A voltage conversion device 610 converts the ACvoltage from the AC power source 660 to a DC voltage. A microprocessor400 receives power from voltage conversion device 610 and controls theoperation of system 499 using the received power.

Microcontroller 400 includes a control logic 440 that provides theoperational instructions to the various elements of the device 10 inaccordance with input signals or internal programs. The control logic440 converts received signals or runs internal software routines to setthe operation of the allay of LEDs 14 a-c and/or the volatile activecontrol system 650 (e.g., volatile active dispenser 20), with a resistorR1 acting as the heater.

The control logic 440 sends a signal for controlling the operation ofthe allay of LEDs to LED control block 410. When using pulse widthmodulation to drive and control the LED allay, the LED control block 410sets the duty cycles for the LEDs based on the instruction from thecontrol logic 440.

The control logic 440 may also control auxiliary devices such as a soundcard 411, which come in turn, and may be linked to speakers 441associated with the device 10 or speakers 431 associated with anauxiliary audio system 421. The auxiliary audio system 421 may be a CDplayer, a computer, or an interface to an MP3 player. Other alternativeswill be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Supply lines 412 a-412 c supply voltage across resistors 414 a-414 c,from power supply 404. Preferably, the voltage supplied across resistors414 a-414 c is between about 3.5 and about 5.0 volts. Resistors 414a-414 c in turn power a red LED 14 a, a green LED 14 b, and a blue LED14 c, respectively. Field effect transistors (FETs) 418 a-418 c areturned on and off in accordance with the respective duty cyclesgenerated by the LED control block 410. Operation of the FETs 418 a-418c control the RGB LEDs 14 a-14 c to be activated for the portions of theduty cycle set by the LED control block 410. Thus, the intensity andcolor of the light emitted from the LEDs 14 a-14 c can be varied toproduce the desired effects. Typically, pulse width modulation is usedto control a constant current to be applied to a given diode for a setperiod of one duty cycle, thus controlling the total current applied tothe LED over the full duty cycle. Thus, the diode flickers on for theset portion of each duty cycle, and off for the remainder of the dutycycle. Of course, this on and off operation is so fast (a typical dutycycle is in the range of a few milliseconds) that the intensity of thediode appears constant to an observer (with no discernable flicker),until the set period of activation over the duty cycle is changed.

The intensity and exact color of the light emitted from the housing ofthe device 10 may be varied by changing the current applied to eachdiode. The different combinations of LED operations will alter theperceived color when the light from the LEDs is diffused to form oneperceived color. This is best under stood in connection with FIG. 5Bwhich shows a CIE chart with three coordinates corresponding to threedifferent-colored (RGB) LEDs. The light show as described hereinincludes starting and ending color points and proceeding along anypredefined path between those two points during the course of a show.This is explained in greater detail in pending Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/641,441, which is also incorporated herein by reference.

A color point refers to the settings of the LEDs at a given moment ofthe light show, which provides a specific perceived color. (As thesettings of the LEDs change over time in accordance with theinstructions for the light show, the color points can ultimately beperceived as a “wash” or “waves” of colors.) Because we are discussing“perceived” colors, the starting color point does not directlycorrespond to the wavelengths of light emitted by the LEDs used in thecolor show, inasmuch as those wavelengths are substantially constants.The starting and ending color points can, however, be defined bycoordinates on the CIE chart.

The color points can also be defined by the relative intensities of thelights emitted from the LEDs used to produce the color show (i.e., theoperational settings for the different LEDs at specified points of thelight show). For instance, a color point can be defined by the specificintensity level set at that point in time for each LED being used, andthe dominant wavelength of each LED. Preferably, intensity levels willbe defined by the pulse widths of the LEDs (e.g., as a percentage offull intensity of the LEDs).

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that thecombination of the lights from different-colored LEDs at specifiedintensities will directly correspond to a set point on the CIE chart.Therefore, the different possible methods discussed above for definingthe color points (i.e., using CIE chart coordinates or specific LEDsettings) are substantially equivalent for purposes of defining aperceived color.

We note, however, that there are many ways in which the lights from thedifferent LEDs can be combined. In some methods, especially wherediffusers are not used and the LEDs are merely placed in close proximityto each other, a user may perceive different colors close to theemission points of the LEDs. When we discuss color points, we refer tothe color of a substantially complete mixture of the lights from thedifferent LEDs, even though there may be observable portions of thedisplay in which the user sees distinct colors corresponding to thewavelengths from the individual LEDs, rather than the complete mixture.

The starting and ending color points are similar to the first and lastentries in a look-up table setting forth all of the points of a colorshow in a conventional system; however, instead of providing all of theintervening points from the conventional look-up table, out inventioncan dispense with the need to determine and stole each and everyintervening color point. To achieve this effect, timing information isprovided. The timing information defines timing aspects of the lightshow and LED control.

Using the timing information, a microcontroller may calculate all of theintervening color points for the light show on its own. This savesvaluable memory space that would otherwise have to be devoted to complexlook-up tables for various light shows. The timing informationpreferably includes information concerning the duration of the show,from display of the starting color point to the ending color point. Thetiming information also preferably includes information concerning thetamp speed for the LEDs, either as a whole, or individually. The rampspeed refers to the speed of intensity change of the LEDs. Generally,ramp speed may be defined as the unit of time it takes the LED to changeone intensity level (for that particular show), with each intensitylevel being equal. This can also be defined as the change of intensityper unit of time.

The LEDs may be controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM) such that thepulse width of a constant current applied for a portion of the dutycycle is varied to alter the intensity of the light emitted from theLED. The intensity level of the LED can be measured as a fraction of theduty cycle during which the constant current is applied, which, amongother ways, can be expressed as a percentage. When an LED is not on, thepulse width is at 0%. When a constant current is applied to the LED forhalf of the duty cycle, the intensity of the LED is at 50%. Ramp speedmaybe defined as the amount of time between changes of intensity of onepercentage point of total intensity. Consequently, if the ramp speed ofan LED is set at two seconds, then during the course of the light showthat LED will change its intensity by one percentage point every twoseconds until reaching the target value (i.e., the intensity value ofthe LED for achieving the ending color point). In an embodiment, rampspeed is defined as the percentage change per second. Of course, thespeed can be defined in any one of a number of ways, as would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Also, the lamp speed canbe a positive or negative value, depending on whether the intensity ofthe LED is to be increased or decreased during the light show.Alternatively, the microcontroller 400 can be programmed to increase ordecrease the intensity setting by comparing the starting intensitysetting to the ending intensity setting. Thus, for instance, if themicrocontroller 400 determines that the value of the ending setting islower than the value of the starting setting, the microcontroller 400will decrease the intensity of the LED at a rate set by the given rampspeed.

With the timing information provided, the microcontroller 400controlling the LEDs 14 a-14 c can be provided with logic thatcalculates the intervening color points between the starting and endingpoints of the CIE chart of FIG. 5B. The logic reads the timinginformation from memory and adjusts the duty cycle for each LED inaccordance with the ramp speed and target intensity. The intensity foreach LED is adjusted until the target value is reached or the durationof the show has been reached. At this time, the microcontroller 400 willread the next set of timing information from memory and begin again. Ofcourse, if the target intensity is reached prior to the duration of theshow, the microcontroller 400 will hold the intensity of the LED untilthe duration is reached. If a continuously changing show is desired, thetamp speed may be set such that the target intensity is not reachedprior to the duration of the show and thus, the target value will neverbe reached. Likewise, the microcontroller may be configured to ignorethe duration, and load the next intensity and ramp speed as soon as thetarget intensity is reached.

The programming for achieving this would be readily understood by one ofordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, a detailed description of themany different ways of programming the microcontroller will not beprovided herein.

While three colored LEDs 14 a, 14 b, 14 c are shown with respect to thedevice 10 in FIGS. 1-2, any number of LEDs or RGB LED clusters may beused. In addition, the choice of which color LEDs to provide may bedictated by design preferences. Further, the use of LEDs is notnecessary as incandescent or conventional colored light sources may beemployed using the same techniques as described above.

Generally, one of each colored light will be provided in close proximityto the other colored lights. With such a cluster arrangement, the exactcolor of each light of the set of three different colors can be adjustedto create a blended color, for example, amber or purple. This blendingcan be achieved by providing the three lights in such close proximitythat the observer only sees the blend of colored lights, rather thaneach individual colored light. Alternatively, or in addition, a diffusermay be provided to diffuse the light of the three lights to produce thecombined color. In other embodiments, the lights may be projected off ofa surface to be combined before being viewed by an observer. When theLEDs are not placed close to each other, or there is not sufficientdiffusion, multiple colors may be perceived in the device 10. This is amatter of design preference.

LEDs and incandescent light sources are readily available from lightingmanufactures in a wide variety of colors. Also, the arrangement andoperation of LEDs or other types of colored light sources to achieve adesired presentation will be apparent to one of ordinary skill.

Turning to FIG. 4, the microprocessor 400 may monitor the temperaturedelivered to the active cartridge 22 through the use of a temperaturesensor 418 (see FIGS. 1-2, 4 and 5C). In this case, the microprocessor400 can adjust the current through the heating resistor R1 to keep aconstant temperature to the active cartridge 22, 122 regardless of theorientation of the bulb or fixture used. Thus, the proper amount of heatis provided to the cartridge 22, 122 regardless of the type of whitelight source (incandescent, fluorescent, coiled fluorescent or whiteLED) or the orientation of the white light source. The sensor 418provides feedback to the microprocessor 400 so the correct temperatureof the cartridge 22, 122 is maintained. Different fragrances anddifferent actives such as different insecticides or insect repellentswill require different temperatures for proper emission rates.

Additionally, the temperature sensor 418 and microprocessor 400 mayadjust the heat to deliver more fragrance or active at one point in aparticular light show and less fragrance or active at a different pointor time in a particular light show to enhance the user experience. Forexample, certain color schemes of the light show may require more orless fragrance or active than other color schemes of a light show. Byway of one example that is not intended to be limiting, it may bebeneficial to emit more fragrance during a blue/green portion of thelight show and less fragrance during a red/orange portion of the samelight show. Other active emission rates can be controlled according to alight show or according to other outside sources such as exterior lightor sound as recorded by a microphone 451 or a light detector 461 isindicated in FIG. 4.

Further, in the case where a memory card 402 is disposed on the activecartridge 22 such as the memory card 402 a and the active cartridge 22 eshown in FIG. 22, the memory card 402 a may contain temperatureinformation that is communicated to the microprocessor 400 that, inturn, is used to set the optimum temperature for that active optimizerelease of the active.

White LEDs 15 or more preferably a fluorescent bulb 30 may be connectedto control block 410, or may be controlled through separate means,inasmuch as the white LED(s) (or other conventional white light source)is typically either on or off and is not necessarily subject to the samerange of control (unless dimmers or the like are used). Suchmodifications, however, would be readily understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art.

The microprocessor 400 may also send a control signal to volatile activecontrol 650, as shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment the volatile activedispenser being controlled is an evaporative-type dispenser. A resistorR1 is heated by a current passing across the resistor R1. Typically, theresistor R1 is placed adjacent to an area at which a volatileactive-containing gel or oil is exposed to air and the heat from theresistor R1 causes the volatile active to be vaporized. A switch SCR1varies the current passing across the resistor R1, thus varying the heatproduced by resistor R1 and the rate of vaporization of the volatileactive. In alternative embodiments, the resistor R1 may be replacedand/or supplemented by a fan which is controlled by switch SCR1, or anatomization device. Also, switch SCR1 may be replaced by an FET in otherembodiments. Further, the volatile active dispenser may also bemechanically adjusted by a user, rather than through a microprocessor.

Microprocessor 400 may also control a use-up cue 420. The use-up cue 420tracks the use of volatile active control to estimate the time at whichthe volatile active in the volatile active dispenser is likely to beused up. When the use-up cue 420 determines that volatile active hasbeen spent, it sends a signal to LED control block 410 to cause the LEDsto illuminate in a pattern, color, or other manner to indicate to a userthat it is time to replace the volatile active in the dispenser if arefillable dispenser is used, or more preferably, the volatile activecartridges shown at 22 (FIGS. 1-2), 22 a (FIGS. 7-8), 22 b (FIGS.10-12), 22 c (FIG. 15), 22 d (FIGS. 18-19), 22 e (FIGS. 20-23), 22 f(FIG. 25) and 22 g (FIG. 28). A large variety of cartridge-typecontainers, bottles or inserts may be utilized for the “cartridges” 22disclosed herein. Various other designs embodiments will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Further, suitable means for determining orcommunicating to the use-up cue 420 when a particular cartridge 22 isempty or near-empty will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. Asimple resistance mechanism may be desirable due to low-cost anddependability.

Returning to FIG. 4, the control logic 440 may be programmed/controlledin any number of ways. In one embodiment, an RF transceiver 448 receivesan external signal, through an antenna 449, from a remote control. Thatsignal is transmitted from the RF transceiver 448 to control logic 440to set the presentation of light through the LED control block 410 andthe volatile active control 650. Also, the operation of the controllogic may be set by an internal program.

A user may manually set the volatile active output and light show. Inthis case, a program select switch 26 (FIGS. 1-3) may be operated by auser to set a light show program for the LEDs 14 a-14 c. In thisembodiment, a switch 27 (FIG. 5A) is also provided to control a volatileactive level to be dispensed.

Of course, additional buttons or switches may be provided, depending onthe level of the control and programmability desired. In particular, aswitch can be provided to control whether manual or automaticoperation/programming is desired as discussed in connection with FIGS.5C and 26-35 below.

FIG. 5A shows one program for operating the control system shown in FIG.4. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a wide varietyof other programs may also be implemented to produce the desired controlover the presentation of coordinated light and aroma. The program startsoperation of the device at step S1. At step S2, it is determined whetheroperation of the microcontroller 400 is to be set manually by a user orautomatically with a particular program. If manual operation isselected, the program proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the setting ofthe switch 27 is checked to set the level for operating the heater 18.For instance, in a first switch setting, the heater 18 is operated at afirst temperature, while other temperatures may be set by othersettings. In step S4, the operation of the switch 26 is checked. Thesystem is set such that different preprogrammed light shows are selecteddepending on how many times a user toggles the switch 26. Step S5 setsthe light show from among an off setting, a variant light show, a strobesetting, emission of red light, emission of purple light, emission ofblue light, emission of amber light, and emission of white light,depending on the toggling of switch 26.

If the automatic mode is set in step S2, the program proceeds to stepS6, in which a default setting is provided for operation. This automaticsetting may be set by information from a program set in the memory, asensor reading, a remote control, the power supply (e.g., by toggling alight switch controlling the lamp in which the device 10 is positioned),or the like.

Turning to FIG. 5C, a schematic drawing is provided of another system,which includes a microcontroller 400, a memory 402, three LEDs 14 a, 14b, 14 c, a user interface 406, a power source 407, a clock mechanism 408and a USB port or other type of input port 409. FIG. 5C also discloses asound card 411, a microphone and 451 and a sound attacker or proximitysensor 461. Thus, the system can be coupled to an exterior auxiliaryaudio system 421 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Speakers 441 may beincorporated into the device 10 (see the speakers 441 of FIG. 4) orassociated with the auxiliary system 421 (see the speakers 431 of FIG.4).

Microcontroller 400 may be an Amtel Mega8 processor. Memory 402preferably is Microchip 24LC00 (manufactured by Microchip Technologies,of Chandler, Ariz.) or an Amtel AT25F512 (manufactured by Amtel Corp.,of San Jose, Calif.). In other embodiments the memory 402 may be amemory chip or card 402 a or 402 b (see FIGS. 20, 22, 24, 25) detachablefrom the device and microcontroller, so that the light shows storedtherein may be removed and replaced with other memory cards/chips 402,402 a. In this manner, the user can purchase new light shows and/orcoordinate the light shows with the particular active ingredient that isbeing emitted.

Preferably, the memory 402 will store data concerning the light show, asdiscussed above. This data may include starting color points, endingcolor points, duration information for segments/shows, ramps speeds,other timing information, and the like. The microcontroller 400 may haveonboard program memory or external program memory containing theinstructions for interpreting the light show data, calculatingintervening light points, and controlling the LEDs based at least inpart on the color data and timing information. Thus structured, memory402 storing the light shows does not need the full range of datatypically provided in look-up tables used to define light shows.

The size of the external memory 402 a, 402 b and extent of the programstored therein to instruct the microcontroller 400, and the extent ofthe program stored onboard the microcontroller 400 in the manufacturingprocess can be determined based on design needs. Also, in futurereplacement memory cards 402, where such are used, additional logic canbe provided to control the microcontroller 400, when additionalinformation is needed to operate the new light shows. One of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate the different ways of dividing up suchinformation between the memory 402 and microcontroller 400. However, ina preferred embodiment, the system is defined such that microcontroller400 contains the operating instructions for the light shows and thememory 402 contains the operating instructions for the light shows andthe memory 402 contains the timing, intensity and ramp speed data foreach LED used in the light shows.

When multiple light shows are provided in one memory 402, it ispreferable that the device in which the memory 402 is mounted beprovided with a user interface 406 to allow the user to switch betweenshows. In this embodiment, user interface 406 includes three buttons 410a, 410 b and 410 c which allow the user to switch between differentsettings. The different settings may be on/off states, rotating orscrolling through the different light shows, a freeze function to stop ashow in progress or hold a show in progress, operating the boosterheater or heater for the active ingredient cartridge or bottle andturning the fluorescent lamp on/off. A fan (not shown) may also beincluded to assist in the emission of and distribution of the volatileactive.

Numerous other user interfaces 406 may be provided, as would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, a remotecontrol 406 a (wireless or wired; see e.g. FIGS. 13 and 23) may beprovided to control the device 10 from a remote location. Because theprogramming and mechanics of remotes and other possible user interfacesare known in the art, a more detailed description will not be providedherein. It will be noted, however, that the remote control 406 a may bedetachably connected to the device by a known mechanism, such as a hookand loop fasteners, a magnet, adhesive, etc.

Additionally, a portion of the program memory containing the light showdata onboard the microcontroller 400 may be reprogrammed with new lightshow data via a standard personal computer through the serial or USBinterface 409. The user interface 406 may also consist of a conductivecoating that responds to the user's touch, a rotary switch, a pushbutton switch, or a mechanical switch that is actuated by pressing onthe device 10.

A circuit diagram for a dimming ballast for a coil the fluorescent lightbulb 30 (see FIGS. 6-35 below) is shown in FIG. 5D. Of course, otherballast designs will work and will be apparent to those skilled in theart. FIG. 5G shows a circuit diagram for the L6574 processors shown inFIG. 5D. The L6574, as shown in FIG. 5G and which is available from STMicroelectronics (www.st.com), includes a dedicated timing sectionenabling the parameters for proper pre-heat and ignition of afluorescent lamp to be set. Further, the L5674 also includes the OP AMP(FIG. 5G) for implementing closed loop control of the lamp currentduring operation thereby enabling the user to dim the white light source30. Returning to FIG. 5D, the pin connections for the L5674 are asfollows: (1) preheat timing capacitor; (2) maximum oscillation frequencysetting; (3) are so later frequency setting capacitor; (4) minimumoscillation frequency setting resistor; (5) operational amplifier forpurposes of implementing a feedback control loop; (6) converting theinput of the operational amplifier; (7) non-inverting the input of theoperational amplifier; (8) enable 1 which forces the device in a latchedshut down state under predetermined voltage conditions; (9) enable 2which restarts the start-up procedure; (10) ground; (11) low side driveroutput; (12) supply voltage; (13) not connected; (14) high side driverfloating reference; (15) high side driver output; and (16) bootstrappedsupply voltage.

An LED driver circuit is shown in FIG. 5E. The driver circuit shown inFIG. 5E is controlled by the microcontroller 400. For those embodimentsemploying a remote control 406 (see FIGS. 5C, 9-13 and 20-23 below), asuitable RF receiver circuit diagram is shown in FIG. 5F and a suitableRF transmitter circuit diagram is shown in FIG. 5G.

Alternative embodiments to the device 10 are illustrated at 10 a-10 g inFIGS. 6-31. FIGS. 6-8 illustrates a first alternative embodiment 10 a.In FIG. 6, the outer shell 12 includes a top 31 that, as shown in FIG.7, is connected to and supports an active ingredient cartridge 22 a. Thecartridge 22 a, as seen in FIG. 8, is semi-cylindrical and cross-sectionincludes a semi-cylindrical shell 32 which is covered by a permeablemembrane 33. The permeable membrane 33 permits the migration of activeor volatile active through the membrane 33 and into the chamber or space34 defined by the outer shell 12 a. The volatile active then exitsthrough the vents shown at 34.

In the embodiment 10 a, a switch is provided in the form of acylindrical ring 35. Rotation of the switch 35 in the direction of thearrow 36 permits the user to switch between a white light function wherethe fluorescent lamp 30 a is generating light to a function where acolored light show is being performed using the circuitry and elementsdiscussed above in connection with FIGS. 1-5 c. A pair of electricalconnectors 37 is provided at the lower and 38 of the cartridge 22 a forbeing mateably received in the holes 39 disposed in the LED board 16 afor connection to a heating element (not shown) and/or the connectors 37can also be used to communicate with the microcontroller 400 to match orcoordinate the light show with the fragrance contained within thecartridge 22 a. Air vents or finger grips may be provided at 41 in thebase 24 a. These elements may also be purely decorative in nature.Various LEDs are shown on the board 16 a generally at 14.

Turning to FIGS. 9-12, another device 10 b is disclosed. The outer shell12 b is connected to a ring of replacement cartridges shown at 22 b. Inthis embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the shell 12 b and replacementcartridges 22 b form a replacement kit 42. The lower edge 43 of theshell 12 b is irregular in shape for aesthetic purposes primarily andmates with the corresponding edge 44 of the base 24 b.

The base 24 b is equipped with a lanyard-type switch 35 b which may besupplemented with a replaced by the remote control device shown at 406 ain FIG. 13. Vents are shown at 34 b in the base 24 b for releasingvolatile active from the cartridges 22 b. In the embodiment 10 b,additional heat may not be necessary due to the proximity between thecartridges 22 b and the board 16 b but a heating element can beconveniently disposed at or near the board 16 b for purposes ofencouraging or controlling active emission from the cartridges 22 b.Turning to FIG. 11, the cartridges 22 b consist of a continuous seriesof outer shells 46 separated by a series of spaced-apart indentations 47with chambers enclosed by the permeable membrane 33 b. The remotecontrol 46 may include a plurality of buttons and have functions similarto those described above in connection with the interface 406 of FIG.5C.

Turning to Figures and 14-16, the embodiment 10 c includes an outershell 12 c with a top 31 c similar to the embodiment 10 a of FIG. 6.However the replacement cartridge 22 c includes a bowl 51 thataccommodates the active material as well as a sintered wick 52 and iscovered by a permeable membrane 33 c. The top 31 c includes a pluralityof vents 34 c. Cooling vents shown at 44 c are disposed in the lowerbase 24 c. In the embodiment 10 c, the switch mechanism is activated byrotating the housing or shell 12 c as indicated by the arrow 54. Gripsare provided at 55 by the polymeric liner 56 disposed inside the shell12 c as illustrated in FIG. 16. Wire connections shown at 19 connect theboard 16 c to the heating element 18 a disposed in the top of the shell12 c as shown in FIG. 15.

The switch mechanism provided by the shell 12 c rotates the switch (notshown) between the various LED light shows, freeze or pause position,white fluorescent light and the off position. The switch mechanism couldalso include a booster heater function to increase or decrease theactive emission through the 34 c. Heat vents 41 c are disposed in thebase 24 c.

Turning to FIGS. 17-19, yet another device 10 d is disclosed. The device10 d includes a shell 12 d similar to that shown in FIG. 6. The base 24d includes an interface toggle switch 35 d and a curved or c-shapedcartridge 22 d. The cartridge 22 d includes a lower moat-shapedreservoir 61 which accommodates active as well as a sintered wick 52 d.The reservoir 61 is covered with a permeable membrane 33 d and a cover31 d as shown in FIG. 19. The assembly shown in FIG. 19 can be sold as areplacement or refill item.

A finger grip as shown at 55 d facilitates the insertion and removal ofthe cartridge 22 d. A heating element is shown at 18 b and electricalconnectors are shown at 37 d for purposes of communicating the type offragrance or active contained within the reservoir 61 to the controller400. The toggle switch 35 d includes the same functions discussed aboveincluding on/off, scrolling between light shows, freezing the light showand moving between a light show and white fluorescent light. The board16 d accommodates a plurality of LEDs shown generally at 14.

The outer shell 12 d is of a variable thickness for primarily aestheticreasons but, however, it will be noted here that an outer shell such asthe one shown at 12 d can include two walls and itself serve as anactive reservoir. Thus, a shell 12 can serve as a replaceable fragranceor active cartridge.

Turning to FIGS. 20-23, the device 10 e includes a shell 12 e thatsimulates the shape of an incandescent light bulb as other embodimentsdisclosed above. The shell 12 e covers the twisted fluorescent lamp 30 aand the board 16 e from plain view as its interior surface is frosted.The base 24 e includes a two button interface similar to that discussedabove in connection with FIGS. 17-19 as well as a slot or compartmentshown at 65 for accommodating the replacement active cartridge 22 e. Thecartridge 22 e is equipped with a memory chip or card 402 a as shown inFIGS. 20 and 22. This is one scheme for coordinating the light showswith the fragrance are active disposed within the cartridge 22 e. Inthis scheme, the light show is stored on the card or chip 402 a and isdesigned with the fragrance or active disposed within the cartridge 22 ein mind. The base 24 e may also include a heating element (not shown)for the cartridge 22 e. Vapor is emitted through the decorative vents 34as shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment where a remotecontrol 406 b is equipped with its own active cartridge 22 e which, isdiscussed above, would be coordinated with the light show or light showsperformed at the device 10 e.

Turning to FIGS. 24-25, the device 10 f is disclosed which includes ashell 12 f having a flat top that supports a heater 18 c and a volatileactive receiving structure 68 that includes a slot or compartment forreceiving the fragrance or active cartridge 22 f. The cartridge 22 f thetop 31 f that is equipped with decorative vents 34 f. Wiring 19 fconnects the board 16 f to the heater 18 c. Again, a lanyard-type switch35 f is employed and can provide all the switch functions discussedabove with the other devices. A slot 103 is provided for accommodating amemory chip or card 402 b is illustrated in FIG. 25.

Finally, turning to FIGS. 26-35, other devices 10 g-10 k are disclosedwhich include uniquely shaped outer shells 12 g-12 k. The bases 24 g-24k include from one to three buttons 410 a, 410 b, 410 c which providethe switch functions discussed above. The compartments or slots 65 g-65k accommodate a volatile active cartridge (not shown in FIGS. 26-35).Various designs for vents are shown at 34 g-34 k for releasing fragranceor active vapor in an efficient manner and that further provideaesthetic effects.

Thus, the embodiments described above all look like conventionalincandescent light bulbs and can be received in a conventional lightsocket and serve as a replacement for a conventional light bulb, of theindoor type or outdoor type. Not only can the disclosed devices be usedin conventional lamp fixtures and light sockets, the disclosed devicescan be useful in closets and used for outdoor lighting purposes asdescribed above. When used outdoors, one suitable combination is coloredand white light emission with insect control.

All the devices include fragrance or active ingredient refill cartridgesso the user can switch fragrances or active ingredients and coordinatefragrances are active ingredients with the light show of the device. Thelight shows or colored light themes may be coordinated with volatileactive emission as well as light shows or colored light can be used toset the mood when the volatile active is an aromatherapy material, amedicine or medicinal fragrance.

Additional light shows may be supplied by way of memory cards or chipseither separate from or in connection with the replacement fragrance oractive cartridges. Thus, the consumer can conveniently and inexpensivelymatch the fragrance or volatile active with a LED light show or lighttheme. The refill cartridges may be directly connected to the controlleror device conducting the LED light show or communication between thememory chip or memory card and the controller can be accomplishedthrough RFID technology as disclosed above at 448 and FIG. 4. Fragranceor active vapor delivery may be constant for each mode or may be variedas heater boost settings may be incorporated into the switch mechanismsfor the devices that include a heating element. The heating elements canbe designed to mimic the heat generated by a fluorescent bulb (140° F.)to keep a constant delivery of fragrance when the device is used forconventional white light or when the device is used for displaying alight show.

Switch mechanisms can vary greatly from a single switch, a toggleswitch, a lanyard-type switch, one, two and three button typeinterfaces, rotating switches built in to either the base or housing andremote controls. Preferably, the fluorescent lamp is turned off during aLED light show as a LED light show generates light about equivalent toan 8 W night light. Thus, leading the fluorescent lamp on during the LEDlight show would be counterproductive in terms of enjoying the lightshow.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluorescent lamp or coiled fluorescentlamp (CFL) is equivalent to a 60 W incandescent light bulb. Typically,it takes two minutes to reach 60 W. The use-up cue function 420 of FIG.4 may either be a timer device, such as a 30 day timer, or may include asensor to determine whether a cartridge is actually depleted. In anyevent, a sound function may be incorporated into the use-up cue.

These figures show only possible arrangements for configuring andcontrolling the disclosed devices. Many different embodiments may beconstructed without departing from the spirit and scope of ourinvention. It should be understood that disclosure is not limited to thespecific embodiments described in this specification. To the contrary,this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications andequivalent air arrangements included within the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure as defined by the claims. The scope of the claims is to beaccorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all suchmodifications, equivalent structures and functions.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The devices of this disclosure makes it possible to achieve an overalldesired effect by providing mood lighting, active ingredient emission,and functional white lighting from a single device that resembles aconventional light bulb.

While only certain embodiments have been set forth, alternatives andmodifications will be apparent from the above description to thoseskilled in the art. These and other alternatives are consideredequivalents and within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and theappended claims.

1. A combination light source and volatile active dispenser device,comprising: a male base for engaging a light socket, the base beingcoupled to a light source and supporting a control circuitry and aplurality of colored light sources, the control circuitry comprising amemory with at least one colored light show stored in the memory, areplaceable container containing an active material disposed within thebase, an outer shell connected to the base and enclosing the lightsource and control circuitry.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the lightsource comprises a white light with an intensity level that can beadjusted by the control circuitry.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein thelight source further comprises a white light source and the devicefurther comprises at least one switch performing one or more functionsselected from the group consisting of: turning the white light sourceon; turning the white light source off; activating the light show;deactivating the light show; turning off both the white light source andlight show; freezing the light show; selecting a light show from aplurality of light shows stored in the memory; increasing activeemission; adjusting the intensity of the white light source; adjustingthe intensity of the light show.
 4. The device of claim 3 furthercomprising a remote control to control the switch.
 5. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the light show is dependent upon the active or viceversa.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the light source comprises a lowvoltage white light source.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the lightsource comprises a plurality of incandescent colored lights.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the light source comprises a twistedfluorescent lamp and the control circuitry comprises a dimmableelectronic ballast.
 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein theactive ingredient in the active ingredient container is selected fromthe group consisting of a fragrance, an air sanitizer, an airdeodorizer, an insecticide, an insect repellant, an insect attractant, amedicine, an aromatherapy oil, and combinations thereof.
 10. Thecombination of claim 1 wherein the colored light sources comprise aplurality of incandescent colored lights.
 11. The combination of claim 1wherein the white light source comprises a twisted fluorescent lamp andthe control circuitry comprises a dimmable electronic ballast.
 12. Acombination light source and volatile active dispenser, comprising: afirst device comprising a first male base for engaging a light socket,the first device further comprising a female socket and a first housingconnecting the first male base to the female socket, an active dispensercomprising a replaceable container containing vaporizable activematerial disposed within the first male base, a second device comprisinga second male base mateably received in the female socket of the firstdevice, the second male base being connected to a second housing, thefirst and second housings enclosing one or more functions selected fromthe group consisting of a white light source, a plurality of coloredlight sources, and a control circuitry.
 13. The combination of claim 12wherein the control circuitry comprises a memory with at least onecolored light show stored in the memory.
 14. The combination of claim 13wherein the light show is dependent upon the active or vice versa. 15.The combination of claim 13 further comprising at least one switchperforming one or more functions selected from the group consisting of:activating the light show and turning off the white light source;turning on the white light source and deactivating the light show;turning off both the white light source and light show; freezing thelight show; selecting a light show from a plurality of light showsstored in the memory; adjusting active emission dispense rate; adjustingwhite light intensity; and adjusting light show intensity.
 16. Thecombination of claim 15 further comprising a remote control to controlthe switch.
 17. The combination of claim 12 wherein the white lightsource can be dimmed by the control circuitry.
 18. The combination ofclaim 12 wherein the white light source comprises a low voltage whitelight source.
 19. A combination white light source, light show generatorand air treatment device, comprising: a male base for engaging a lightsocket, the base being coupled to a white light source and supportingcontrol circuitry and at least one light group comprising a red, greenand blue light cluster, the control circuitry comprising memory forstoring a plurality of colored light shows and circuitry for controllingan intensity of the white light source, a replaceable containercontaining a volatile active disposed within the base, an outer shellconnected to the base and enclosing the white light source, light groupand control circuitry, at least one switch performing one or morefunctions selected from the group consisting of activating the lightshow and turning off the fluorescent lamp, turning on the white lightsource and deactivating the light show, turning off both the lamp andlight show; freezing the light show; adjusting the intensity of thewhite light source; and scrolling through the plurality of light showsstored in the memory.